RVCA: Water level in Rideau River has peaked

Tuesday's rainfall hasn't helped flood conditions in low lying areas along the Rideau River, but the good news is that the water levels have peaked.

"Water levels are going down right now, largely due to the cold temperatures, which basically have frozen things in place," said Patrick Larson with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA).

He said the Rideau River's flow below Hog's Back Falls peaked at 450 cubic metres per second Tuesday, and it is expected to continue declining.

Areas that remain at risk include Old Ottawa South along Rideau River Drive, and communities on the Long Reach, upstream of Manotick, including Lannin Lane and neighbouring private roads.

Tuesday's rain caused water levels in those areas to rise.

Larson said it would take several days for the flooding there to subside.

"They are still under water, so their access is a problem and certainly the cold there is not going to help with ice forming no doubt," he said. "It will limit their ability to get in and out, basically their canoes or boats that they're using will become ice breakers."

The Rideau Canal's reservoir lakes are still above their storage capacities and Parks Canada will continue to do controlled released of water over the next few days.

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